TripAdvisor(TM), the largest travel community in the world, today
announced the top 10 quirkiest hotels from around the globe,
according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors.
1. Have an Ice Stay: Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada, Quebec, Canada
Breathtaking hotel made of ice, features an ice chapel, theme
suites, an ice bar, and an art gallery -- with ice sculptures, of
course. Activities include cross-country skiing, ice fishing,
archery, snowmobiling, snow tubing and even dogsled driving. As
one TripAdvisor traveler described, "It's like sleeping in a
5-star igloo." The "icetablishment" is only open
from January to April, just don't forget your parka and long
johns.
2. Jail House Rock: Malmaison Oxford Castle, England, U.K.
Everything about the Malmaison Oxford Castle is authentic
enough to make you feel as if you are in the confines of an actual
prison, but with better company. Can a jail hotel be romantic?
According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "My husband and I
decided to 'honeymoon' at the Malmaison Oxford Castle, feeling
that this magnificent converted prison would make a grand setting
to begin our 'life sentence' together. It certainly did not
disappoint." The first U.K. prison to be converted into a
hotel, rest assured the property was renovated to ensure for more
comfortable accommodations.
3. Smooth Sailing: Imperial Boat House, Ko Samui, Thailand
With 34 authentic teakwood rice barges converted into
land-locked luxury suites, the Imperial Boat House on the beach is
nautical nirvana. The lavish outdoor pools are surrounded by a
lush and lovely garden. As described by one TripAdvisor traveler,
"The resort is really impressive -- beautiful landscaping and
accents throughout." A final touch-the remarkable
beach-front, boat-shaped pool, features cannons -- no doubt, to
keep the pirates at bay.
4. Entertainment Extravaganza: Fantasyland Hotel &
Resort, Edmonton, Canada
With over-the-top fixtures and themed rooms, the Fantasyland
Hotel and Resort is a shock to the senses. According to a
TripAdvisor traveler, "It gives you the feeling that you're
somewhere totally different, and when it's -30 C and there is tons
of snow, this is the perfect escape." Great for families, it
boasts a 217,800 square-foot indoor water park, an indoor ice
rink, indoor golf and you guessed it, indoor roller coaster ride.
Why all the indoor activities? Remember this is Edmonton, not
Ibiza.
5. Tree-Top Tableau: Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, Manaus,
Brazil
Seventy feet up into the tree-tops of the Amazon, the Ariau
Amazon Towers Hotel features catwalks connecting the entire
complex. Activities include a jungle walk, swimming with dolphins,
a caiman hunt and even piranha fishing. The rooms are rustic, but
in the opinion of one TripAdvisor traveler, "Wouldn't some
towering monstrosity of modern conveniences be somewhat
incongruous in this setting?" Don't be surprised to see a
wide variety of flora and fauna in this authentic jungle
environment, where it's okay to hand-feed the monkeys and parrots.

Malmaison Oxford Castle, England, U.K |

Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, Manaus, Brazil |
6. Desert Rose: Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai, United Arab
Emirates
Unique in its setting in the middle of the Dubai Desert, the Al
Maha Desert Resort is an oasis with luxurious accommodations,
including private pools and an authentic "Bedouin"
encampment design. Activities that might be hard-to-find anywhere
else include sand dune driving, falconry and camel trekking, and
the panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains are a sight to be seen.
Oryx and gazelles are known to come around the rooms at night and
drink water from the private swimming pools. As one TripAdvisor
traveler noted, "There are lots of wild oryx roaming the
grounds, which is nice, but also a bit scary when they're blocking
the path to the room."
7. Chief Light-Wallet: Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona
Operating along the historic U.S. Route 66, the Wigwams are
actually teepee-style, cement tents. The bargain motel features
the authentic feel of a 50s desert town -- from the furniture, to
the vintage cars in the parking lot, to the sounds of the old
locomotive passing through town. The rates are also a blast from
the past -- the average room costs about $45 a night. According to
one TripAdvisor traveler, "By the way, the rate is for real
... the youngest son of the builder commented to me that they
don't make money operating the motel, they do it 'as a sort of
public service.'" Cash and credit only, wampum not accepted.
8. Caveman's Delight: Yunak Evleri, Urgup, Turkey
Carved out of a stunning mountain-side cliff, the honeycombed
hotel includes six cave houses, with rooms connected by narrow,
maze-like passageways and stone stairways (think Land of the Lost,
without the creatures). Decorated in Ottoman style, Yunek Evleri
provides private patios offering dramatic views of the Turkish
Mesa. As described by one TripAdvisor traveler, "You are then
whisked to this serene land with its 7th century caves, outdoor
archeological museums, and the best baklava ever."
9. Toro! Toro!: Quinta Real Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
Built around a 17th century bullfighting ring, it's no longer
operational, so leave the red cape at home. The Quinta Real
Zacatecas incorporates the feel of "Old Mexico," with
its colonial architecture. Beautifully illuminated at night, the
hotel also faces the city's ancient arched aqueduct and the local
village's quaint shops complete the unique experience. Be sure to
enjoy the comfy robes ... as one TripAdvisor traveler suggested,
"Do yourself a favor and buy their robes to take home, I
didn't and I have regretted it for seven years now."
10. Inn Vogue: Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, California
Most often referred to as kitschy, perhaps the best description
for the Madonna Inn comes from a recent TripAdvisor traveler,
"It's what happens when Barbie moves in with Barney Rubble,
all pink and rock." But that's part of the charm of the
Madonna. A garish, chalet-style inn, the hotel features 45 rooms
with varying themes and color schemes. To many travelers, an
indescribably unique experience, perhaps the only thing you need
to know is that there is a famous waterfall urinal in the men's
room.
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